RHS Plant Trials and Awards

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

Janet Cubey
Principal Botanist, RHS Garden Wisley

Wendy Wesley
Trials Ofcer, RHS Garden Wisley Bulletin Number 16 December 2006

www.rhs.org.uk

RHS Trial of Begonia Rex Cultorum Group 2005

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group
This colourful and popular group of plants, that are relatively easy to grow at home, were put forward by the Tender Ornamental Plant Committee to the Floral Trials Sub-Committee as a very worthy candidate for Trial. Visitors to RHS Garden, Wisley during 2005 were treated to a brilliant display of a mixture of old, well-established and brand new cultivars of Begonia Rex Cultorum Group undergoing trial in the glasshouses. It was the rst trial to be undertaken by the RHS of this plant group, and at the same time it was also the last tender plant trial to be undertaken in the old glasshouses at RHS Garden, Wisley. Tender plant trials will begin again in 2008 in the new Bicentenary Glasshouses.

The Publics Favourites

This was a very popular trial with the public. Throughout the summer, voting slips were available so that each visitor could record which begonias in the trial were their favourites. The publics favourite ten plants were: 1 2 3 4 Escargot Fireworks China Curl Sals Comet Sea Serpent 6 7 8 9 Curly Fire Flush Martin Johnson Princess of Hanover Carolina Moon

Objectives
The objectives of the trial were: to assess the entries for the Award of Garden Merit as pot plants for the house, conservatory or greenhouse, and the production of a permanent reference, through the collation of photographic records and written descriptions.

Entries
There were 87 entries in the trial submitted by two specialist UK nurseries, an additional National Plant Collections holder and an agent for a breeder in the USA. Plants were assessed between July and October 2005.

10 Rocheart

Of these only one, Curly Fire Flush, did not gain the Award of Garden Merit.

Judging Criteria
The trial was assessed for the AGM by the Floral Trials Subcommittee using the following criteria: Habit Leaf shape, colour, markings & arrangement Length of good display Health Tolerance of dry-ish conditions / atmosphere

The Tender Ornamental Plant Committees Favourites

The Tender Ornamental Plant Committee visited the trial during the summer while at Wisley for a committee meeting. They also voted for their favourite plants; the top three were: 1 2 3 Carolina Moon Escargot Sea Serpent

All of these gained the Award of Garden Merit.

Front cover: Fireworks (photo: Wendy Wesley) Left: AGM plants (photo: Jacquie Gray) Above: Curly Fire Flush (photo: Wendy Wesley) Opposite: Escargot (photo: Wendy Wesley)

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Carolina Moon China Curl David Blais Dewdrop Emerald Beauty Escargot Fireworks Helen Lewis Hilo Holiday Ironstone Martin Johnson Merry Christmas* Midnight Magic Mikado Namur

H1

Pink Champagne Princess of Hanover Raspberry Swirl* Rocheart Roi de Roses Sals Comet Sea Serpent Silver Cloud Silver King Silver Queen*

Award of Garden Merit subject to availability in the UK:

Maui Mist Miami Storm

H1 plants requiring heated glass in the British Isles

indicates a recommendation that their AGM status should be reviewed in 2012

The Award of Garden Merit

The Award of Garden Merit requires a plant: To be excellent for garden decoration or use To be available from nurseries or specialist growers To be of good constitution Not to require specialist care Not to be particularly susceptible to any pest or disease Not be subject to an unreasonable degree of reversion

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

Cultivation and propagation

Cultivation notes
The 87 entries arrived at the glasshouses of RHS Garden, Wisley between January and March 2005 as young plants in 7cm pots. They were temporarily placed on a heated bench at 20C to encourage root production and covered with a 17gm eece for several weeks. In early May they were potted on into either 1 & 2L nursery stock pots, depending on individual plant vigour. In August they were potted on, one size larger, into standard clay pots with a free-draining low peat compost. Care should be taken when potting on not to do it too soon, as too much compost can overwhelm the root system. They were grown in a large, airy glasshouse with a night temperature of 16C, a day temperature of 18C and a venting temperature of 22C. They will grow at lower temperatures, but high temperatures were used to establish good growth for this trial. The general rule is that the higher the temperature, the more shade they will require; with lower temperature, more light is required. Begonias dont need strong light conditions, in fact with many of them it can be detrimental sometimes resulting in more muted coloured leaves. For the trial, the glasshouses were white-washed on the outside, but in the strong summer light this was found not to be enough and a 50% shade net was added 2-3 foot above the plants. Begonias also appreciate high humidity, but this can be more difcult to control. Water was splashed onto the paths and benches, but not the plants themselves, to increase the humidity. Plants were watered individually when the compost felt dry to touch; overwatering can be detrimental and so the plants are better kept drier. A liquid fertiliser with equal quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and with trace elements, was applied at every other watering initially, then at every watering. Higher nitrogen levels lead to more growth and some of the colour characteristics can be lost; phosphorus emphasises the leaf colours. Although these begonias can, and do, ower they are not really noted for them. For fair comparison during the trial all the owers were removed.

Propagation
Most begonias are relatively easy to propagate and this group are no exception as they are easily propagated from their leaves. There are a variety of different methods for leaf cuttings. These include, pinning a leaf to the surface of the compost and cutting occasional slits in it, ensuring each slit crosses a vein (see picture). Another method is to cut the leaf into V-shaped wedges, each with a vein, and to insert these into the compost. Rooting will take place where the vein has been cut. Please be aware that some cultivars, particularly those recently bred, may be protected by Plant Breeders Rights.
Pinning the leaf (photo: Tim Sandall)

The resulting young plants (photo: Tim Sandall)

Pests & Diseases

Begonias can be susceptible to: mildew; more likely when plants are stressed botrytis; more likely when plants are overwatered vine weevil virus; western ower thrip can act as a vector carrying virus from plant to plant caterpillars; trial plants were treated with Bacillus thuringiensis early in the trial, following damage by a caterpillar.

Cultivation summary
Do Use free-draining compost Bring them into a light position for the winter Try to grow them in a humid environment (a saucer of pebbles can help) Dont Let them become water-logged Sit them in direct sunlight in the summer Use too much fertiliser Sit them in a draft

Begonias
The begonia family, Begoniaceae, in terms of the number of genera it contains, is very small. In addition to begonia there is one monotypic genus with tuberous rhizomes from the Hawaiian archipelago, Hillebrandia sandwicensis. Symbegonia, with 10 species from New Guinea that have perianth segments united into a tube on the female owers, is sometimes recognised as a genus in its own right, but increasing it is included within Begonia. Two other genera that have been used historically, Begoniella and Semibegoniella, are now well established as being within Begonia.

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

The genus Begonia was described in 1700 by Charles Plumier, a Franciscan monk and botanist. With the name he honoured Michel Begon, a French botanist who was at the time Governor of Santo Domingo. The rst begonia to reach England, B. minor, was sent by Dr William Brown from Jamaica in 1777. Following which, Sir Joseph Banks went on to introduce several species to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. By 1850 there were 200 species known in Europe; about 50 of these from living plants. Currently about 1000 species are recognised, 25% of which are in cultivation and with over 10,000 cultivars and hybrids.

Begonias characteristics:
monoecious, in that they have separate male and female owers on the same plant, often adjacent in the inorescence herbs to shrubs with brous or tuberous roots or rhizomes stalked, alternate leaves, usually asymmetric a succulent, often jointed stem four perianth segments (tepals), in two opposite pairs in male owers and two to six tepals in female owers; of varying sizes, but the same colour numerous stamens, massed in the centre many ovules and 3 styles fruit is eshy or leathery and usually winged tiny, almost dust-like seeds Although frequently referred to as rexes, all these hybrids are correctly attributed to: Numerous hybrids were made with Begonia rex, including B. annulata, B. palmata, B. hatacoa and B. xanthina. That was just the starting point. More and more crosses in as many combinations as possible were made. Hybrids with B. evansiana gave added height; hybrids with B. diadema introduced deeply cut leaves; hybrids with B. dregei gave smaller leaves; those with B. decora, colourful more reddish foliage and hybrids with B. cathayana dense, velvety hairs.

Fitch, W. (1859) Begonia rex, t5101. Curtis's Botanical Magazine

Horticultural classication
The begonias grown in cultivation today can be grouped using the American Begonia Societys horticultural classication into: cane shrub rhizomatous tuberous trailing or scandent thick-stemmed Semperorens Cultorum Group Rex Cultorum Group The Group can be broken up into different categories, by leaf size: small (sometimes referred to as miniature) <7.5cm (3) medium 7.5-15cm (3-6) large >15cm (6) Some have a spiral to their leaves and some are classed as upright, refering to the nature in habit of the rhizome, and therefore the growth of the plant. This character becomes more dominant once plants are in to their second year, and therefore plants were not really noticeable as being a different shape during the trial.

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

This Group was described in 1920 by Bailey for the cultivars that involve B. rex as a parent to some degree. They are generally rhizomatous in habit, as per the species, but not always, as there is a range of other parents involved. However, all the Rex Cultorum group, and there are well over 500 cultivars, are noted for their attractive leaf colouring. Trends in fashion are reected in changes with new releases over the years. For example, reds are currently popular, as was reected in the colour range within the trial.

Begonia rex
Begonia rex is one of the rhizomatous species and it was introduced to England from Assam in 1856. The story varies, as stories often do, but some say that it was introduced to cultivation purely by accident. A Belgian commercial horticulturist, Jean Linden, is said to have noticed this begonia in the sheath of an orchid that was brought to the Stevens auction room in London by the botanist Charles Simons. That Linden then purchased this species for 10,000 francs and two years later in 1858 it was introduced commercially, retailing at a cost of 50 francs per plant. It immediately caused a stir among growers and hybridizers who could see the commercial possibilities.

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

RHS Award of Garden Merit Descriptions

Carolina Moon AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Jeans & sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe & Shirleys Plants A showy leaf with clean markings, a nice red centre and a good spiral. Height and spread 25 45cm; three-dimensional habit, leaves well-spaced. Petiole to 15cm; hairs medium to sparse, white. Leaves 30cm long 19cm wide, with spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth and with a metallic sheen, acuminate tip, undulate and with a toothed margin. Centre and margin rich red-purple (59C), separated by a band of pale grey-green (194A). Reverse, red margin, centre and veins. David Blais AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Lepisto & sent by Dibleys Nurseries Produces masses of brightly coloured medium-sized leaves with dark veins that gain a silvery sheen when grown in low light levels. Height and spread 40 60cm; leaves well-spaced, slightly twodimensional, attened front to back. Petiole to 22cm, red streaked with green; pink hairs of medium density. Leaves to 25 13cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose, metallic sheen on upper surface, toothed margin. Rich red-purple (a little paler than 59B), narrow strips of deep brown (200A) extend along veins from base across leaf and recurring adjacent to some veins at margin, ushed green. Reverse, red.

China Curl (syn: China Swirl, China Girl) AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Woodriff & sent by Shirleys Plants Superb plant with a striking double spiral and contrasting leaf colours Height and spread 30 45cm; three-dimensional habit, leaves well-spaced. Petiole to 17cm, pale greenish-red streaked with light green; hairs medium density, pink but with stronger red-pink on younger stems. Leaves 25 18cm with a double spiral, cordate, coarse texture, metallic sheen on upper surface, acuminate tip, sparsely hairy. Margin and central basal area deep maroon (darker than 183A), band between pale grey-green (194B), spotted with yellow-green (146A). Bright pink speckling at junction of maroon and green areas. Reverse, red margin, centre and veins.

Dewdrop AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Lewis & sent by Dibleys Nurseries Excellent miniature with a neat small leaf that has a noteable metallic sheen; reminiscent of a Heuchera. Ideal for growing on a windowsill. Height and spread 20 40cm; leaves well-spaced and threedimensional. Petiole to 15cm; pink hairs of medium density. Leaves to 12 9cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth, metallic sheen, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Pewter/pale grey-green (c.190D), ushed with mauve-pink particularly at the centre and margin. Reverse, red.

RHS Herbarium

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

Emerald Beauty AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Shirleys Plants A well-balanced beauty with plenty of strikingly-marked, sturdy leaves. Height and spread 20 36cm; three-dimensional. Petiole to 9cm; sparse white hairs. Leaves 19 13cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical and ovate, smooth, rugose, sheen on green patches, acuminate tip, margin toothed and lightly undulate. Olive green (much darker than 147B), with a red ush around central veins and margin as a narrow broken band; interveinal patches of pale grey-green (193B) extending to or almost to the leaf margin; small patches of yellow-green scattered at junction of olive and grey-green areas. Reverse, red margin, centre and veins.

Fireworks AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Kartuz & sent by Dibleys Nurseries Vibrant, bold, striking leaf with wonderful colour contrast. Height and spread 30 50cm; a little two-dimensional, upright rhizome. Petioles to 14cm; densely covered in pinkish-red hairs, that also extending onto veins on leaf reverse. Well-spaced leaves, to 26 16.6cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, bullate, metallic sheen, margin lightly ciliate, acuminate tip. Centre of leaf very dark redpurple (much deeper than greyed purple 187A) that also extends along veins to margin; marginal band, deep vibrant pink (70A), that also extends around the darker area surrounding veins; between these two zones pale grey-green (193B). Reverse, red and hairy on veins, darker margin band and central area. Helen Lewis AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Large, dark velvety, wonderfully patterned leaves. Height and spread 28 45cm; more or less two-dimensional. Petiole to 17cm; densely covered in pink hairs. Leaves to 36 24cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, bullate, metallic sheen, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Dark velvet brown (200A) ushed red with a 1cm band of grey-green (190C) patches and spots 1cm from margin; ushed mauve pink. Reverse, red.

RHS Herbarium

Escargot AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Very pronounced single spiral and lovely markings; an outstanding plant that was very popular with everyone. Height and spread 26 47cm; three-dimensional habit. Petiole to 22cm, mid olive green; dense red hairs. Leaves 24 18cm, very pronounced spiral, obliquely asymmetrical and ovate, coarse, bullate and hairy, undulate margin. Leaf centre and margin dark olive green, lightly covered with pink hairs which are very obvious at leaf margin, band between bright green (darker than 130D). Reverse, highly reticulated with eshy, hairy, red veins.

All descriptions are based on plants grown in the RHS Begonia Rex Cultorum Group Trial in 2005; plants grown elsewhere may differ according to cultivation conditions, particularly in leaf colour with different light intensities.

Colour codes were taken using the RHS Colour Chart. The fourth edition (2001) is available from RHSE Mail Order, Wisley, Surrey GU23 6QB. H1 = plants requiring heated glass in the British Isles

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

RHS Award of Garden Merit Descriptions

Hilo Holiday AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by J L Booman & sent by Proven Winners Europe Ltd The attractive wide margin darkens from deep green to black as the leaf matures; both colours work well with the dots. One of the Great American Cities Series. Height and spread 30 60cm; three-dimensional habit with well-spaced foliage and upright rhizome. Petiole to 15cm; sparse pink hairs. Leaves 24 16cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, bullate, margin entire, tip acuminate. Main colour strong dark red (slightly paler than 187C), glossy; margin dark brown (c.200A) with slight red ush, spotted with main colour, matt; some slight greening on inner marginal area. Reverse, dark red (183C) body darker red (187A) margin and centre. Ironstone AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Good leaf power, whilst remaining nice and neat and having a good colour Height and spread 23 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 16cm, brown with green streaks; medium density white hairs. Leaves to 22 13cm, without spiral, obliquely ovate, coarse, rugose, slight metallic sheen, acuminate tip, margin lightly undulate and lightly ciliate. Main colour grey-green (191AB); margin and around base of veins green (138A), deepening (147A) at margin and spotted with main colour; light red marginal ush. Reverse, red in centre and margin and along veins, with white hairs. Martin Johnson AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Dibleys Nurseries A very distinctive, jagged, bold leaf that was very popular with the public. This cultivar was named after an American breeder of begonias, rather than the English rugby player that shares the name. Height and spread 30 55cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves; upright rhizome. Petiole to 18cm; sparse white hairs. Leaves to 30 24cm, slight single spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth, metallic sheen, pronounced acuminate tips, margin deeply cut and ciliate. Pale grey-green (193C), centre and margins ushed with bright magenta (N78A). Reverse, very pronounced veins, red centre, margin and veins.

Midnight Magic AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Dibleys Nurseries Pronounced single spiral; bright red leaf reverse that glows when the sun shines through. Although not judged for it here, it is one of the few cultivars that is noted for its pink owers. Height and spread 25 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 17cm; dense red hairs. Leaves to 24 17cm, pronounced spiral, asymmetrical, cordate, coarse, rugose, dull, acuminate tip, margin undulate and toothed. Very dark green (darker than 147A), strongly ushed red at margins and on reverse.

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

Mikado AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Large leaves and vigorous plant and good, bold leaf markings with an attractive red rim. Height and spread 30 55cm; more or less two-dimensional, well-spaced leves. Petiole to 18cm, red; dense, long deep pink hairs. Leaves to 33 23cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth, rugose, metallic sheen, sparse pink hairs, acuminate tip,. Main leaf colour grey-green (c.194A); narrow marginal band and around and between pronounced eshy veins, dark brown (200 A-B); spots of main colour at green/brown junction. Reverse entirely red, with white hairs on veins.

Pink Champagne AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Well-displayed leaves; a good pink with a black lacy edge and a purplish-red metallic sheen. Height and spread 25 45cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 15cm, red brown; pink hairs of medium density. Leaves to 23 15cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth texture, acuminate tip, margin entire. Background colour and around eshy veins, dark brown-purple (deeper and more brown than 183A), large, bullate, metallic patches and spots towards margin of rosypink (186A-B). Reverse, mainly red.

Namur AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Shirleys Plants A neater, more compact version of Escargot; said to be particularly good in its second year. Height and spread 20 30cm; three-dimensional habit, slightly congested leaves. Petiole to 7cm; dense red hairs. Leaves to 18 13cm, single spiral, with a double spiral on mature leaves, asymmetrical, orbicular, smooth, metallic sheen, acuminate tip, margin lightly undulate and lightly ciliate. Main colour grey-green (194C), with dark central blotch of dark olive green ushed with bright magenta (70A), increasing intensity with maturity; leaf margin a narrow rim of red and patches of mid olive green.

Princess of Hanover AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe An elegant pot plant, a smaller leaf than some, but forming a well-lled plant. Mature leaves have a more undulate margin and a more pronounced spiral Height and spread 35 65cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 28cm, brown with green streaks; medium density coverage of pink hairs. Leaves 17.5 15cm, single or double spiral, asymmetrical, cordate, coarse, pink hairs on upper surface, acuminate tip, margin undulate, ciliate, some deeply cut; Margin and centre deep olive green (darker than 147A), with a metallic grey-green (194A) band; irregular patches of green (143C) at junction of olive and greygreen, more marked on immature leaves; margin pink-ushed. Reverse, red around margin and in centre, hairy.

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

RHS Award of Garden Merit Descriptions

Rocheart AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Dibleys Nurseries & Rhodes & Rockliffe Compact but vigorous plant with a distinctive speckled leaf. Height and spread 25 40cm; three-dimensional habit, slightly congested foliage. Petiole to 15cm; dense pale pink and white hairs, becoming more sparse in maturity. Leaves 21 14cm, pronounced spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate to orbicular, coarse, bullate, acuminate tip. Main colour dark yellowish-green (146A), spotted and patched with metallic grey-green (193A), spots having a glandular short pink hair; centre and margin dark brown (200A); pink ush to margin and surrounding central dark patch. Reverse, red around margin, centre and on veins. Sals Comet AGM (H1) 2005 Raised and sent by Dibleys Nurseries Attractive and bold leaf shape and markings; leaves held apart giving a light effect. Height and spread 28 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced. Petiole to 16cm, green streaked red; sparse pink hairs. Leaves to 22 16cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, eshy veins, very jagged, bullate, smooth textured, acuminate tip, margin nely denticulate, deeply cut and lightly ciliate. Main colour bright red-purple (70A-B) around and along veins, patches of dark greygreen (198C) at junction of pink area and margin; small central patch and margin dark brown (c.200A); margin spotted with main colour. Reverse, dark red (187A) centre and margin.

Roi de Roses AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Unique colouring; the spotted edge being strongly textured. Height and spread 27 50cm; three-dimensional habit. Petiole to 20cm; densely covered with long pink hairs which fade with maturity. Leaves to 28 16cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, broadly ovate, smooth apart from marginal area, ciliate margin, acuminate tip. Deep fuchsia pink (63A), metallic, fading slightly in maturity with pale green veins; pronounced band of rugose spots around margins, each with a glandular hair on a dark green background. Veins hairy on red leaf underside.

Sea Serpent AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe Upright growth, with leaves that are often slightly cupped; the distinctive dark, shiny leaves with red spots that become brighter when it is grown with less light. Height and spread 30 60cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves, upright rhizome. Petiole to 13cm, sparse short pink hairs. Leaves to 18 13cm, without spiral. Obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose to bullate, mostly dull except for metallic spots, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Main leaf colour near black, spotted with metallic red-purple (64A) blisters. Reverse, red around margin, centre and veins; veins hairy.

10

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

Silver Cloud AGM (H1) 2005 Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe and Dibleys Nurseries Upright, tidy growth and wonderful silver foliage, particularly when in less light. Height and spread 30 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves, upright rhizome. Petiole to 12cm; dense white hairs. Leaves 19 15cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose, slight metallic sheen, acuminate tip, toothed margin. Grey-green (194B), breaking down into spots near to veins; narrow strip of green (138A) around veins. Reverse, very pale pink hairs on veins.

Silver King AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by Teupel & sent by Shirleys Plants Striking foliage on a neat plant with even habit; plenty of foliage without congestion. Height and spread 30 60cm; three-dimensional habit, leaves well-spaced. Petiole to 20cm, brownish-red; sparse white hairs. Leaves 22 14cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, rugose, acuminate tip, margin toothed. Base colour deep olive green (darker green 147A), with patches of metallic grey-green (195C); ushes of bright redpurple (71D) around green patches increase with leaf maturity. Reverse, red.

Award of Garden Merit Subject to Availability

Maui Mist AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by J L Booman & sent by Proven Winners Europe Ltd Red and black leaves; simple and bold. One of the Great American Cities Series. Height and spread 42 70cm; a little two-dimensional, upright rhizome. Petiole brown, greenstreaked; medium density of pink, fading to white, hairs. Leaves 30 21 cm, obliquely asymmetrical, without spiral, cordate, smooth texture, rugose, undulate and lightly ciliate margin, acuminate tip. Metallic deep red-purple (59B) in large interveinal patches and inspots at margin; background, along veins and around margin dark brown (200B), ushed with green. Miami Storm AGM (H1) 2005 Raised by J L Booman & sent by Proven Winners Europe Ltd This could never be described as a subtle plant, with its near pillarbox red leaves; the brightest in the trial. One of the Great American Cities Series. Height and spread 34 50cm; three-dimensional habit, wellspaced leaves. Petiole to 19cm; medium cover of pink hairs. Leaves 22 15cm, without spiral, obliquely asymmetrical, ovate, smooth texture, bullate, acuminate tip, margin undulate and lightly ciliated. Main colour rich red-purple (60A); central patch near black, that extends along the veins and also with a narrow margin; occasional patches of pale grey-green 192C along veins towards leaf margin. Reverse, red.

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

11

Selection Guide
B. annulata
leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Large No Green 2-3d Very dense; red 50 Dewdrop leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Small -medium No Pewter & pink 3d Medium-dense; pink 40

height/spread 28

height/spread 20

Bettina Rothschild (syn. Fire Flush) leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Green & red 3d Dense; red 45

Emerald Beauty leaf size Medium large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Greens & silver 3d Sparse; white 36

height/spread 28 Carolina Moon leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes

height/spread 20 Escargot leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Large Yes Greens 3d Very; red 47

Pink & green 3d Medium; white 45

height/spread 24 China Curl leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

height/spread 26 Fireworks leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Medium large Double Pink & green 3d Medium; pink 45

Large No Pink, green & black 2-3d Dense; pink-red 50

height/spread 30 Curly Fire Flush leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes

height/spread 30 Green Gold leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Large Yes Greens 3d Dense; white 45

Green & red 3d Dense; red 45

height/spread 28 David Blais leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

height/spread 27 Helen Lewis leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No

Large No Pink 2-3d Dense-medium; red-pink 60

Burgundy/black & pale green 2d Dense; pink 45

height/spread 40 Denver Lace leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No

height/spread 28 Hilo Holiday leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No

Greens & pink 3d Medium; very pale pink 45

Red & black 3d Sparse; pink 60

height/spread 28

height/spread 30

12

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

Leaf size at end of trial: small = <7.5cm; medium = 7.5-15cm; large = >15cm Height/spread measured in cms
Ironstone leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Habit at end of trial:

3d = 3-dimensional; 2d = 2-dimensional (note many cultivars started more 2-dimensional at the start of the trial)

Medium large No Green & silver 3d White 50

Namur leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Medium-large Yes (sometimes double) Green & pink 3d Dense; red 30

height/spread 23 Kathy Shorindore leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No

height/spread 20

Pink Champagne leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs 45 No Pink 3d Medium; pink 45

Greens 3d Very dense; white

height/spread 36 Martin Johnson leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes

height/spread 25 Plum Rose leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Large Yes (lacking in some leaves) Pink, green & black 2-3d Medium; red 40

Pink & green 3d Sparse; white 55

height/spread 30 Maui Mist leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

height/spread 21

STA
Large No Pink & black 2-3d Medium; pink 70

Princess of Hanover leaf size Medium spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes (some double) Greens 3d Medium; pink 65

height/spread 42

height/spread 35

Miami Storm STA leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Red & black 3d Medium; pink 50

Raspberry Swirl (1994) leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes (some double) Pink & green 3d Medium; red 60

height/spread 34 Midnight Magic leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes

height/spread 35 Red Robin leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Medium No Red & black 3d Sparse; red 55

Dark green 3d Dense; red 50

height/spread 25 Mikado leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs
RHS Herbarium

height/spread 30

Large No Pale green & red 2-3d Dense; deep pink 55

Reine des Neiges leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Silver 3d Medium; white 40

height/spread 30

height/spread 20

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

13

Selection Guide
Rocheart leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Medium large Yes Green & pink 3d Dense; pale pink & white 40 Seattle Twist leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs Yes Pink & greens 3d Dense; pink 55

height/spread 25

height/spread 30

Roi de Roses leaf size Medium large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Pink & pale green 3d Dense; pink 50

Silver Cloud leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Green & silver 3d Dense; white 50

height/spread 27 Sal's Comet leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

height/spread 30 Silver Green Heart leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No

Large No Pink & pale green 3d Sparse; pink 50

Silver & green 2-3d Medium; pink 35

height/spread 28 Sal's Moondust leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs 3d No

height/spread 23 Silver King leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Medium-large No Green, pink & silver 3d Sparse; white 60

Medium; pink 56

height/spread 30 San Diego Sunset leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No

height/spread 30 Valentine leaf size spiral main colours habit petiole hairs

Large No Pink & greens 3d Medium; red 47

Red & black 3d Dense; pink 56

height/spread 26

height/spread 25

Savannah Pink Parfait leaf size Large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Pink & greens 3d Medium; red 55

height/spread 30

Sea Serpent leaf size Medium-large spiral main colours habit petiole hairs No Black & red 3d Sparse; pink 60

height/spread 30

14

RHS Plants Trials and Awards

Recommended Awards
Subject to verication of the name Two entries to the trial were submitted as 'Regal Minuet'; trial numbers 50 and 64. Although similar, there were distinct differences between the two. Both of these plants were considered to be worthy of the Award of Garden Merit, however neither award will be granted the AGM until their identity has been resolved. If you think you might be able to help shed light on this, then please do get in touch.

Floral Trials Sub-committee

Chairman: Vice Chairmen: Members: Tony Lord Roy Cheek, Pam Schwerdt Bill Boardman Marina Christopher David Creese Fergus Garrett Diana Hart Dyke Ian Howell Sibylle Kreutzberger Alison Mulvaney Graham Rice Chris Sanders Terry Smale Brian Talman Victoria Wakeeld Bob Brown John Coke Ivan Dickings John Gibson Tony Hender Luc Klinkhamer Christopher Lloyd (RIP) John Paton Jean Sambrook Keith Sangster Mike Smallwood Ray Waite Stuart Williams

Regal Minuet (Trial no. 50) Sent by Rhodes & Rockliffe. Height and spread 22 50cm. Rich red-purple (deeper than 61A) with a small area of near black around leaf base that extends narrowly along veins; very narrow, broken rim of deep maroon to near black at margin.

Senders of plants to the trial

Dibleys Nurseries, Llanelidan, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 2LG Shirleys Plants, 6 Sandheys Drive, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside PR9 9PQ Rhodes & Rockliffe, 2 Nursery Road, Nazeing, Essex EN9 2JE Proven Winners Europe Ltd., First Floor, Silk House, Park Green, Maccleseld, Cheshire SK11 7QW

Acknowledgements
Photographs by Wendy Wesley unless otherwise stated. All the staff who worked in the glasshouses at RHS Garden, Wisley in 2005, particularly Nick Morgan, Glass Superintendent. Richard Gilbert, member of the Tender Ornamental Plant Committee, for his help since the trial was rst proposed. Regal Minuet (Trial no. 64) Sent by Dibleys Nurseries. Height and spread 32 50cm. Metallic dark rich redpurple (187B-C); dark brown (200A) to black at centre, along veins and for an entire, narrow marginal band. The senders of the plants to the trial, not only for their plants, but for their time, interest and expertise too.

Further reading
Thompson, M.L. & Thompson, E.J. (1981) Begonias - The complete Reference Guide. Times Books, New York. Tebbitt, M.C. (2005) Begonias Cultivation, Identication & Natural History. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.

Societies and websites

American Begonia Society: www.begonias.org/ Dibleys Nurseries: www.dibleys.com National Begonia Society: www.national-begoniasociety.co.uk/ Shirleys Plants, a National Plant Collection holder: www.stbegonias.com/

Opposite: Judging the trial (photo: Jacquie Gray)

Begonia Rex Cultorum Group

15

The Royal Horticultural Society

The RHS is the UKs leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes providing expert advice and information, advancing horticulture, training the next generation of gardeners, helping school children learn about plants, and conducting research into plants, pests and environmental issues affecting gardeners. The RHS AGM plant trial scheme is an important part of this work. The RHS receives no government grants and for every pound received from members subscriptions we need to raise more than twice as much again to fund our charitable work. We also rely on donations and sponsorship to supplement income from our garden operations, ower shows, shops and plant centres.

RHS Trials Bulletins

Canna: September 2003 Daisies (yellow, perennial): September 2004 Delphinium: June 2004 Fuchsia (hardy): December 2005 Geraniums (hardy) Stage 1: June 2005 Geraniums (hardy) Stage 2: June 2006 Hyacinthaceae (little blue bulbs): September 2005 Lavenders (hardy): July 2003 Miscanthus: October 2004 Potentilla (shrubby): July 2002 Rhododendron yakushimanum & hybrids: May 2006 Peppers (sweet): November 2006 Potatoes (salad): November 2004 Saxifrages (silver): May 2005 Spiraea japonica (with coloured leaves): November 2003

RHS Plant Trials

With so many different types of gardener and so many different cultivars available to them in each group of plants, it is important that a system of recommendation is in place to help with selection at point of sale. These recommendations must be clear and reliable to ensure that of the thousands of plants available in the UK, a proportion are known to be excellent garden plants. The RHS provides this information through its extensive programme of plant trials held at RHS gardens in the UK. The RHS Award of Garden Merit signies the selection of the best cultivars for general garden use. RHS plant trials serve the professional gardener who wants to know the range of plants available, including the latest breeding and selection programmes, with their distinctive characteristics and provenance. They also serve the amateur who wants to know which plants will grow and perform well in a particular garden situation. The RHS has an unrivalled resource of knowledge and expertise and is therefore best placed to conduct plant trials for the UK gardening market.

RHS Plant Assessments Bulletin

The rst of what will becomes a series of online publications, to complement the RHS Plant Trials and Awards series, was published in July 2006: Pittosporum tenuifolium hybrids & cultivars

These bulletins can be viewed at a larger size on the RHS Website: www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials_bulletins.asp

Support the RHS, secure a great future for gardening

RHS Herbarium
The RHS Herbarium keeps a record of trial cultivars as dried specimens with detailed descriptions and photographic images. This forms an important reference for the horticultural industry. Any new cultivars are highlighted and a Standard specimen is preserved and described. The RHS Herbarium, stored at RHS Garden Wisley, is the largest active horticultural herbarium in the world. At present the collection contains about 80,000 herbarium specimens and over 30,000 images of plants. Material is actively collected from a wide spectrum of sources including RHS plant trials.

Trials Ofce RHS Garden Wisley Woking Surrey GU23 6QB e-mail: trials@rhs.org.uk

www.rhs.org.uk/trials
Reg charity no. 222879 All text & images Copyright RHS 2006 ISSN: 1477-9153 (print) ISSN: 1447-9161 (online)